Dragon Mask

I've never been one to write reviews, but I feel like I need to make an exception for this one because of its annoyingly underwhelming ratings.

If you're one to embrace good TV series from any part of the world, then you'd find this show one of the best series of this year. Everything about it is just so good and well-thought, from its stellar cast, great storyline and top-notch cinematography to superb writing and well-paced episodes.

I came across Boyhood by chance and watched it without any expectations but boy oh boy I'm so glad I did. The premise of the show is pretty simple - a typical underdog story, a protagonist who thrives because of his long-time hardships and comes out as a hero. But the journey to reach that point is one that will take you on an exhilarating roller coaster ride of emotions.

Every episode is necessary - well-directed and well-written, no fillers in between. The director and writers really knew what they wanted to achieve in every episode, every scene and every dialogue, extracting exactly the kind of reaction and emotion they wanted to get from the audience. Some episodes got me laughing from start to finish, other episodes got me bawling my eyes out or gripping the edge of my seat. Some are even too painful and stressful to watch but they are necessary for the lead's character arc.

Even though all of the cast delivered amazing acting, Yim Si Wan truly is the star of the show. His performance is so genuine and convincing, I can feel his pain, his dilemma and his constant struggle to escape the "hell" he lives in. When he made stupid mistakes and even more stupid decisions, he got me so frustrated but yet, I can understand where he's coming from so I can't help but keep rooting for him.

At first glance, you might think it's a predictable story - and in a sense it is, we all can guess how it pans out, but what Boyhood did differently is the show cleverly put some twists and turns in places you didn't expect to keep you guessing. Adding to that the brilliant cinematography, colors, camera angle and editing, I had a really fun and joyful experience watching this show - something I haven't been able to experience for a while.

The only downside I found about the show is I think it could've been longer - more like 12 episodes instead of 10 to give more time for the redemption arc of the lead character and wrap up the side characters ending more nicely. But even so, it's given me way more than most series I've watched this year so can't complain. If you're not Asian or not familiar with Asian culture, you might not relate or even despise some of the portrayals in the series, but if you're open to seeing other cultures from a different part of the world then definitely give yourself a favor and watch this. Seriously, it deserves a higher rating and more traction than this.

Everything about this drama is top notch. From the acting, to the characters, to the plot. Just everything is brilliantly executed. This was my first time watching Im Siwan in a comic role, and as usual he did not disappoint.

I'm not someone who writes reviews. I like to be the reader instead, but this drama impressed me so much that I just had to share a few words.

Not a single episode of this drama was boring. Infact I binged it one go. Something that hadn't done in a long while.

It just bugged me a little, that there wasn't enough talk about this drama. So I decided to help promote it a little by writing this review. If you're skeptical about trying this drama, then just take my words for it and don't hesitate. You won't regret it.

This series is astonishing and the simplicity is the key. Most of the characters including the hero are dim witted but that's what's cute about them their naivety and innocince it shows you the youth and it's adventures and difficulties from making frendships, getting into trouble, and falling in love. You're only gonna feel warmth watching this series espically with the time period and the settings it's set in a rural village in 1989 so that means no internet, no phones. What i really loved about the series is that it can make you laugh and even cry without it trying too hard. Also the show is made up of only 10 episode so it's a nice short watch that'll be worth your time. In the end, watching it I laughed so hard at times, my eyes filled up with tears at times, i got excited at times, i love this show.

"Boyhood" is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition. The cast, especially IM SI WAN, delivers exceptional performances, and the story captivates with its consistently engaging plot, effortlessly weaving together moments of joy, pain, and self-discovery. The vintage or retro setting adds to its charm, and the ending authentically portrays the behaviors of boys at that age. Each episode is a compelling chapter in the lives of these boys, filled with humor, drama, and moments of profound insight. Overall, "Boyhood" is a must-watch and earns a spot on any top KDrama recommendation list. This series is a true gem that deserves to be cherished and celebrated..........,

This show is an absolute gem! Im Siwan was amazing, as always, and the whole cast did such a great job.

I really loved the female lead and just wish there had been more moments between the two leads.

The cinematography was beautiful and fit the story so well. I loved how the show mixed humor with the serious topic of bullying it felt natural and real .

The subtle foreshadowing throughout the story also added a lot of depth.

What I enjoyed the most was watching the male lead grow.

Seeing him overcome his weaknesses and stand up for what he believes in was so inspiring. I was cheering for him the entire time!

The pacing was just right, keeping me hooked from start to finish.

It made me laugh and cry, and I love when a show can take me on that kind of emotional ride.

Overall it was such an incredible watch, and I absolutely loved every moment of it.